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**
"Respectfully welcoming the patriach!"
As the grand voices of welcome resounded, the clouds in the sky churned and then automatically parted.
A moment later, an elderly man with white hair and clad in white robes stepped forward from the divided clouds, his pace slow and measured.
Wherever his feet landed, the space beneath rippled with strange undulations, as if the very air was solidifying under his presence.
"The Yao Clan's Patriach?"
Watching the kindly-looking old man, Mo Yu raised his eyebrows slightly.
From the aura emanating from this person, he could sense an exceptionally formidable presence. Combining this with the knowledge from the original storyline, he immediately recognized this man as a Seven-Star Dou Sheng, a truly supreme powerhouse.
According to the classifications of the Dou Qi Continent, a Seven-Star Dou Sheng was already considered a high-tier Dou Sheng, standing at the very peak of the continent.
"Hehe, guests are always welcome."
High above, the Yao Clan's Patriach, Yao Dan, revealed a gentle smile. His aged face carried an air of warmth as he clasped his hands in greeting toward the gathered crowd.
Then, his gaze suddenly bypassed the masses and landed on Yao Lao, his expression flickering with a trace of complexity.
Yao Lao slowly lifted his head, meeting Yao Dan's gaze with a faint smile before clasping his hands together. "It has been a long time, Patriach Yao Dan."
"Yao Chen… We were all blind to your potential," Yao Dan sighed softly, a sigh filled with unspoken meaning. With a single step, he appeared at the honored seat among the Yao Clan's elders, taking his position.
"Heh, Yao Dan, old man, you've finally decided to come out of seclusion this time?"
Just as Yao Dan had taken his seat, another aged voice rang out in the sky. With the voice came a thick medicinal fragrance that filled the air.
The crowd turned their gaze toward the distant horizon, where a flash of green light suddenly flickered. In the blink of an eye, a light-green cauldron flew across the sky at an astonishing speed. Sitting atop the cauldron was an elderly man dressed in simple linen robes.
"Even Senior Shen Nong has appeared?"
Seeing this person, Yao Lao's eyes flashed with surprise. Beside him, Gu He was briefly stunned before recalling something, his expression growing solemn as he leaned in to whisper an explanation to Mo Yu.
Hearing Gu He's words, Mo Yu nodded slightly. It turned out that although Elder Shen Nong wasn't a particularly well-known name, in the world of alchemy, he was an ancient figure of immeasurable seniority.
Even Yao Lao, revered as the number one alchemist of Central Plains, had to address him as a senior. No one had expected that this man—who had vanished for years—would appear here today.
"Hehe, you old fellow, so you're still alive," Yao Dan chuckled.
Elder Shen Nong stood up from his cauldron, waved his sleeve, and stored the cauldron away. His ancient eyes swept across the surroundings before stopping on Mo Yu and Xiao Yan, where he let out a soft murmur of surprise before smiling.
"After so many years of seclusion, I didn't expect to see such promising newcomers in Central Plains. So young, yet their soul power has already reached Half-Step Di Realm and Heavenly Realm Perfection… Truly astonishing."
"Greetings, Senior Shen Nong," Mo Yu and Xiao Yan smiled, clasping their fists together. Their demeanor remained composed despite the many eyes watching them.
Elder Shen Nong nodded with a smile, just about to take his seat when his expression suddenly changed. He turned his gaze sharply toward the distance.
There, black clouds surged forth, spreading rapidly at an astonishing speed.
In the blink of an eye, the black clouds gathered above the mountaintop and condensed into the form of a middle-aged man clad in black robes.
With his arrival, a low, mournful hum filled the air, as though countless spirits were wailing.
"Hun Huzi of the Hun Clan arrives uninvited. I hope Patriach Yao Dan won't take offense," the black-robed man smiled faintly, his unhurried voice echoing through the sky.
"Hun Huzi!"
Hearing this name, Yao Lao's body trembled violently, his eyes flickering with a chilling light.
"Master, do you know him?" Xiao Yan asked, sensing Yao Lao's reaction.
"Yes," Yao Lao replied in a deep voice. "This man once infiltrated the Small Pill Tower, but in the end, he betrayed his master, severely injuring him before defecting." His tone carried deep-seated loathing.
Mo Yu's gaze also sharpened slightly at the sight of the black-robed man.
As one of the Ancient Clans with the deepest foundations, the Hun Clan didn't specialize in alchemy like the Yao Clan. However, producing a few top-tier alchemists was still an easy feat for them.
"Manor Lord, this man's alchemy skills are formidable," Gu He whispered, sensing Hun Huzi's unfathomable depth. His brows furrowed slightly.
"Yes, he's a formidable enemy," Mo Yu nodded.
This man had spent decades learning in Small Pill Tower, absorbing all its teachings. His mastery of alchemy was undoubtedly extraordinary.
"What is Hun Huzi doing here? Our Yao Clan never invited him."
"Hmph! The Hall of Souls has spent years capturing souls, even going so far as to attack alchemists to seize their spirits. Hun Huzi is definitely involved!"
"We can't let someone like him attend our grand ceremony!"
The moment Hun Huzi appeared, the Yao Clan elders erupted in furious protests, their sharp gazes filled with hostility as rebukes rang out incessantly.
Seated at the head, Yao Dan exchanged a look with Elder Wanhuo, both frowning deeply.
The Yao Clan had always been extremely wary of the Hun Clan. Otherwise, they wouldn't have formed an alliance with the Lei Clan and Yan Clan.
However, if Hun Huzi had come openly to attend the Medicinal Ceremony, outright rejecting him would mean tearing all pretense apart with the Hun Clan.
"Patriach, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
Seeing Yao Dan allow Hun Huzi to stay, the surrounding elders were visibly shocked. Elder Wanhuo hesitated for a moment before voicing his concern.
"The Medicinal Ceremony is the grandest event of our Yao Clan. In front of so many people, we can't drive someone away without cause. That would make us seem unreasonable," Yao Dan said calmly.
"The Hun Clan should be guarded against, but today, with so many people gathered in the Yao Realm, does anyone truly think they'd dare act recklessly?"
Yao Dan waved his hand dismissively before stating coldly, "I will keep a close eye on him. If he dares to make a move, I will personally kill him!"
Seeing Yao Dan's firm stance, the elders had no choice but to nod.
"Haha, Patriach Yao Dan is truly magnanimous."
Hun Huzi chuckled, a faintly eerie smile flashing across his lips before he casually took a seat under the watchful gazes of the crowd.
Mo Yu narrowed his eyes.
Yao Dan had thought things through carefully. Under normal circumstances, with so many eyes watching, the Hun Clan indeed wouldn't dare make a move against the Yao Clan.
But he knew better.
The Hun Clan had long been eyeing the Yao Clan, plotting for years. By allowing Hun Huzi to attend the convention, Yao Dan had unwittingly planted the seeds of the Yao Clan's destruction.
Unaware of Mo Yu's thoughts, Yao Dan slowly scanned the surroundings. His voice, calm yet authoritative, rang out like rolling thunder.
"The time has come. The Medicinal Ceremony begins!"
As Yao Dan's voice echoed, the most prestigious alchemy gathering in the continent officially commenced.
Although the opening ceremony was grand, it was mostly a showcase by the younger generation of the Yao Clan, which, while somewhat predictable, was still captivating to most attendees.
After all, the Yao Clan's younger generation possessed talents that ordinary alchemists could only dream of.
One by one, those who stepped onto the stage were at least of the sixth-tier alchemist level, with some even higher. At this moment, the cauldrons roared to life, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Of course, for Mo Yu and the others, this level of alchemy was akin to watching children spar while adults observed from the sidelines—it held no value for them to study.
Thus, while the entire square was stirred by the birth of various pills, Mo Yu and the other high-ranking figures at the forefront merely closed their eyes, resting.
This prelude to the Medicinal Ceremony lasted for several days before finally coming to an end. However, given that none of those present were ordinary individuals, many had not even moved an inch throughout the duration.
At the very moment the younger generation of the Yao Clan completed their tests, the atmosphere in the square did not quiet down. Instead, it ignited into an even more fervent excitement.
Countless burning gazes skipped over the participants and landed firmly on the stone seats. They knew that the true highlight of the Medicinal Ceremony lay with the titans of the alchemy world seated there.
"Hehe, it's finally starting." Yao Lao slowly opened his eyes at this moment, sensing the sudden surge in tension across the venue, and chuckled.
Xiao Yan also smiled slightly, stretching lazily.
"This grand finale... aside from you and Hall Master Gu, the most noteworthy competitors are Hun Huzi, Elder Shen Nong, and Elder Wanhuo. None of these three are easy opponents. In terms of seniority, even I am far behind them," Yao Lao said.
"Hehe, I wouldn't dare claim to stand alongside the continent's top alchemists. If not for the Yao Clan's invitation, I doubt I'd even qualify to be here," Gu He replied with a wry smile.
Alchemists were ranked from one to nine tiers, with first-tier being the lowest and ninth-grade the highest. Above the ninth-grade were three further distinctions: Treasure Pill Master, Profound Pill Master, and Golden Pill Master!
Among those Yao Lao had just mentioned, aside from Gu He himself, the rest had all reached the ninth-grade. Even the weakest among them was a Treasure Pill Master.
As for Profound Pill Masters, they were the absolute pinnacle of the alchemy world on this continent, their numbers few and far between. As for Golden Pill Masters—none had emerged in nearly a millennium, as no one had yet refined a ninth-grade Golden Pill.
Above Golden Pill Masters existed the legendary Emperor Tier—an ultimate realm that no one had ever reached.
"Relax, Gu He. There's no need for pressure. No matter the outcome, you will always be the number one alchemist of my Yuan Manor. Just do your best.
Take this opportunity to compete against the continent's finest alchemists and gain experience for your future breakthrough to the ninth-grade," Mo Yu said, patting Gu He's shoulder with a light smile.
Mo Yu had high hopes for Gu He—not just because they both hailed from the Jia Ma Empire, sharing a sense of kinship, but also because Gu He's character and talent were worth recognizing.
Hearing Mo Yu's encouragement, a trace of emotion flickered in Gu He's eyes. Though his expression remained composed, a subtle shift in his tone revealed his gratitude.
"Rest assured, Manor Lord. Since I have been appointed as Yuan Manor's chief alchemist, I won't let you or Yuan Manor lose face."
Xiao Yan, observing this scene, smiled slightly. Then, as if thinking of something, he glanced toward Yao Dan at the head seat and asked with a hint of curiosity, "Yao Dan isn't participating?"
"As the patriach, he naturally has his pride," Yao Lao chuckled before speaking seriously. "But his alchemy skills are in no way inferior to any of you four."
While Mo Yu and the others conversed in hushed tones, Yao Dan, seated at the forefront, slowly rose to his feet. In that instant, every gaze in the arena converged upon him.
"Hehe, now that the appetizers are over, it's time for the main event. I understand what you all have been waiting for," Yao Dan said, smiling faintly under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
"This Medicinal Ceremony will feature five contestants. Aside from our invited guest, Yuan Manor's chief alchemist Gu He, the rest need no introduction.
The final victor will claim the title of the continent's number one alchemist. I believe that whoever emerges victorious will be fully deserving of the honor, without dispute or opposition."
"Now then—would the five of you please step forward?"
"Hehe, Patriach Yao Dan is rather straightforward. The title of the continent's number one alchemist… our Hun Clan happens to have some interest in that as well."
As soon as Yao Dan's voice fell, Hun Huzi's figure flickered like a phantom, appearing mid-air. His indifferent chuckle carried a hint of arrogance.
"Hmph, the Yao Clan is the clan of alchemy. That title is best kept within the clan," Elder Wanhuo snorted coldly, his figure flashing as he appeared in the sky, locking eyes with Hun Huzi without backing down.
Elder Wanhuo's entrance immediately drew cheers from the surrounding crowd. This was the Yao Clan's territory, and they were naturally displeased at the thought of the Hun Clan taking away such a prestigious title.
"Although I have little interest in such vanity, if the title of the continent's number one alchemist were to fall into your hands, it would be a great disgrace to us alchemists," Elder Shen Nong remarked in a calm tone as he hovered in mid-air.
He had no fondness for Hun Huzi either—after all, the Hun Clan's reputation among alchemists was utterly repugnant.
"Elder Wanhuo, Hun Huzi, Elder Shen Nong—these three are undoubtedly giants of the alchemy world. This contest will be spectacular!"
As they gazed upon the three figures in the sky, the audience erupted into excited murmurs. Countless alchemists watched with fervent admiration—these three represented the pinnacle of their lifelong aspirations!
Countless gazes flickered between the three before suddenly shifting in unison to the black-robed young man and the middle-aged man seated on the stone chairs.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Xiao Yan and Gu He exchanged a smile before simultaneously rising to their feet. With a faint tremor, their figures flickered, leaving afterimages in their wake.
In the next instant, Xiao Yan and Gu He appeared in mid-air as well.
Gu He clasped his hands in a polite gesture and, with a composed smile, said, "I am Gu He of Yuan Manor. I was not originally qualified to participate in such an esteemed event, but thanks to the Yao Clan's invitation, I am deeply grateful.
Regardless of the competition's outcome, I will do my utmost to ensure no one leaves disappointed."
His words, coupled with the refined charm of a mature man, swayed even those who had initially doubted his qualifications.
Many present had never heard of Gu He before. Compared to titans like Elder Wanhuo, Hun Huzi, Elder Shen Nong, or even Xiao Yan, Gu He had spent years in secluded cultivation within Yuan Manor, rarely making a name for himself.
Yet, witnessing his composure and poise now, the crowd gradually realized that this man might indeed possess considerable skill.
Even Yao Dan, noting Gu He's demeanor, nodded in satisfaction before smiling at Mo Yu. "Hehe, congratulations, Lord Mo. It seems that Yuan Manor is about to gain a ninth-grade alchemist.
You must know, even within my Yao Clan, only a handful of elders have reached this level."
"Haha, you flatter me," Mo Yu replied humbly, his lips curving into a smile.
At this moment, as Gu He finished speaking, a clear laugh rang out through the arena. Xiao Yan turned toward the black-clad man and smiled.
"I've long heard that Senior Hun Huzi once stole techniques from the Pill Tower. Now that the Pill Tower is part of the Sky Mansion Alliance, as a member of Sky Mansion Alliance, I'd like to take this chance to seek guidance from Senior Hun Huzi. I hope you will not hold back!"
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For exclusive access to 500+ advanced chapters and more, visit my Ko-fi page and support the journey:
ko-fi.com/laoyao95
Laoyao with L yeahh..thanks for the support.
or Support me at patreon for 500+ advanced chapters :
patreon.com/YaoIk